James Patterson has become one of the most ubiquitous authors on earth over the past three decades with his novels constantly filling out shelves in bookstores and newsstands across the country. When it comes to the booksellers that help get his works into readers' hands,

Hundreds of independent bookstore workers across the country—including one in Chicago—were the recipients of a big holiday surprise Wednesday. Since 2015, bestselling author James Patterson has given out holiday bonuses to independent bookstore workers across the country.

Staffers at Thank You Books in Birmingham, Alabama, San Francisco’s City Lights Books and The Nook in Cedar Falls, Iowa, are among 600 booksellers receiving $500 holiday bonuses from James Patterson.

Recipients also include Kirstin Kraig of Whale’s Tale Books in Lakewood, Colorado. Patterson chose the winners from thousands of applications.

Two Pittsburgh-area booksellers are among hundreds getting a $500 holiday bonus from best-selling author James Patterson.

Bestselling novelist James Patterson has selected nine employees from independent bookstores in Pennsylvania, including two in Allegheny County.

Bestselling author James Patterson gave $500 holiday bonuses to hundreds of booksellers across the country, and two from the Pittsburgh area made the list.

Staffers at five Mississippi bookstores are among 600 booksellers receiving $500 holiday bonuses from James Patterson, the bestselling novelist who has been awarding independent store employees since 2015.

Patterson​ has given out holiday bonuses to independent bookstore workers across the country. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) said Wednesday he’s “doing everything” he can to try to pass legislation that would enact some Social Security before Congress ushers in a new class next month.